When you picture disaster recovery, you might see skilled laborers working long hours on difficult tasks. This is definitely part of the recovery process, but there is so much more to be done. A group of young adults experienced this when they recently spent a week in Johnson County, TN working a variety of projects to help with the recovery. While they might not have had many construction skills, their heart and work ethic won over everyone they served.
One project was particularly unglamorous, racking rocks out of a yard. During the flooding from Hurricane Helene, creeks and rivers rose a considerable amount, flushing tons of rocks and boulders into yards and homes. A necessary task for any land owner is to get the rocks back into the creek and re-form the yard and banks. Not only does the grass need to be cleared, but the creek bed also has to be remade to prevent future flooding. Or at least slow it down.
Allen and Lori had to rebuild from scratch after the hurricane, and even with moving uphill they were still surrounded by rocks. What they needed was a strong, detailed, and dedicated crew to help them clear their yard, getting them one step closer to recovery. The young adults came out in force, spending a whole day racking, digging, and having fun while doing it!
“While it took hours to accomplish, the students worked with great attitudes and joy in their hearts,” shared World Compassion Network, one of the many sending organizations working in Johnson County. “After the work was completed, we were able to hear stories from Allen about the storm and what they went through and how grateful they are for the help.”
After the rocks were clear, new grass seed and hay was put down. Soon there will be new growth all around the home. And grass wasn’t the only seeds planted that day. Allen and Lori were so impressed, moved, and humbled by this group of young people. They completed a job the couple thought would take days in just a few hours, all the while staying positive and swapping stories.
Before the group left, Allen and Lori got up early to make a special trip to the church where everyone was staying. They had to say goodbye and thank you one more time before these remarkable people went home. And they weren’t the only people sharing their gratitude.
WCN shared, “So many homeowners said how thankful they were that the younger generation would come down and spend time serving and loving on a community that has been devastated by this storm almost 2 years ago. From a community that feels forgotten and unseen after the hurricane, it meant a lot that the students would travel to listen to their stories and love on them.”
There is still recovery to be done in Johnson County, and all skills levels are needed!
VOLUNTEER – sign up and find out more on our website
DONATE – these projects are made possible by consistent donations
SHARE – these stories and your volunteer stories to get more people involved
